As schools in Nigeria are about to reopen after the mid-term break and Sallah holiday, the ongoing cholera outbreak has triggered fears and cast a shadow of concern over classrooms.
Public health experts have warned of a potential increase in cases among students, increasing anxieties about whether schools are adequately prepared.
The recent cholera outbreak which was attributed to contaminated food and water has caused illnesses and deaths across the country. Now, as children return to often crowded and resource-lacking schools, fears are increasing that close contact and poor sanitation could facilitate the spread of the disease.
Meanwhile, the Chief of UNICEF, Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, has called for extensive measures to safeguard students, noting that efforts must be made to prevent disruption in the academic calendar due to the spread of the disease.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has also warned the public of the increasing trend of cases of cholera as the rainy season intensifies.
According to the NCDC, from January 1 to June 11, 2024, more than 1,141 suspected and over 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in over 30 deaths, was reported from 96 LGAs in 30 states.
The NCDC noted that 10 states which contributed 90 percent to the burden of the current cholera outbreak are Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos states.
While explaining the need to prevent the disease outbreak in schools, Lafoucrier noted that children encountered substantial health risks, particularly children under the age of five, who were vulnerable to severe dehydration and higher mortality rates.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Lafoucrier, in a recent statement said: “Similarly, post-recovery issues in children can include malnutrition, stunted growth, and weakened immune systems, increasing susceptibility to other diseases. These outbreaks underscore the urgent need for improved access to clean water and sanitation in many areas.
“Despite the state government’s efforts to provide water to its population, the current outbreak demonstrates the need for an urgent government focus on ensuring the water provided to the population is clean and risk-free.’’
The onus lies on schools and government agencies to put in place robust preventative measures. Ensuring access to clean, potable water is important. Also, schools should prioritize proper handwashing facilities and hygiene education for students. Public health officials should also consider targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas.